Chuck Schumer Demands Trump 'Rescind' Refugee Order

 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded Saturday that the Trump administration "rescind" the executive refugee order signed on Friday as protests continued at John F. Kennedy International Airport in his state after a dozen Iraqis were detained after trying to re-enter the U.S.

Schumer, 66, who has represented New York in the Senate since 1999, took to Twitter:

Called Sec Kelly to urge the admin to rescind these anti-American executive actions that will do absolutely nothing to improve our safety.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 29, 2017 

We have a long & proud tradition of accepting refugees who seek safety in the US after thorough vetting. That tradition should continue.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 29, 2017 

These Exec Orders will only serve to embolden & inspire those around the globe who would do us harm. They must be reversed, immediately.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 29, 2017

Schumer joined other Democrats Saturday in ripping President Donald Trump's refugee order, which was signed on Friday.

It banned travelers from seven countries that have been linked by national security officials to terrorism from entering the U.S. for 90 days: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

The directive also suspended entry of all refugees for 120 days and indefinitely halted all admissions from Syria.

Twelve travelers from Iraq were detained Friday at JFK as they tried to enter the country. Two were released on Saturday as lawyers and civil-liberties groups sued in federal court to delay the action.

Other protests were held at airports in Chicago, Denver and Virginia.

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